Cricket
DP World ILT20 Schools Cup 2025 begins in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah
Dubai (SBR): The DP World ILT20 Schools Cup began this week across Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah. Now in its third edition, the competition stands as the premier national schools’ cricket tournament in the UAE, designed to encourage participation and nurture young cricketing talent. The DP World ILT20 Schools Cup is part of the long-term vision to strengthen the foundations of UAE cricket, the event plays a crucial role in identifying and developing the next generation of players. Past champions include GEMS Modern School (2023) and Cambridge High School Abu Dhabi (2024). This year’s edition introduces an exciting new addition — a girls’ competition, which will feature nine school cricket teams for the first time – matches to be played with proper leather cricket balls, reflecting the rapid growth of the sport among girls across the Emirates. The DP World ILT20 Schools Cup provides a direct pathway from schools to the DP World ILT20, offering young and aspiring cricketers a platform to showcase their skills. A total of 39 school teams are participating, each vying for the coveted title of DP World ILT20 Schools Cup Champion. The tournament, open to school XI players, begins this week and will culminate on 22 November 2025 at the ICC Academy, Dubai. The final match will form part of the DP World ILT20 Junior Cricket Festival, adding to the excitement in the lead-up to DP World ILT20 Season 4 which will be played from Tuesday, 2 December 2025 to Sunday, 4 January 2026. Through this initiative, the DP World ILT20 franchises will also partner with schools to foster stronger connections with students and build a loyal fan base for their home city teams. The winner of the final stage will be crowned the DP World ILT20 Schools Champion for the year 2025.
Pakistan squads announced for white-ball series
Lahore (SBR): The Men’s National Selection Committee has named a 15-member squad for the T20I series against South Africa and the T20I tri-series involving Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe, while a 16-member squad has been announced for the ODI series against South Africa and Sri Lanka.The T20I series between Pakistan and South Africa will be played in Rawalpindi and Lahore from 28 October to 1 November, while the T20I tri-series will be staged at the same venues from 17 to 29 November. In the T20I squad, Abdul Samad, Babar Azam and Naseem Shah make a comeback to the side after missing out on the previous events. Usman Tariq is the only uncapped player in the T20I squad.Pakistan and South Africa, who are currently playing the second Test at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, will also feature in a three-match ODI series to be held at the Iqbal Stadium in Faisalabad from 4 to 8 November. The ODI series will be followed by another three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium from 11 to 15 November.In the ODI squad, Faisal Akram, Haris Rauf and Haseebullah return to the side.15-member T20I squad:Salman Ali Agha (captain), Abdul Samad, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Hasan Nawaz, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan (wicket-keeper), Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Usman Khan (wicket-keeper), Usman TariqReserves:Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Sufiyan Moqim16-member ODI squad:Shahen Shah Afridi (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Faisal Akram, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Haseebullah, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan (wicket-keeper), Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali AghaSchedule:South Africa tour to Pakistan28 October – First T20I at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi31 October – Second T20I at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore1 November – Third T20I at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore4 November – First ODI at Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad6 November – Second ODI at Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad8 November – Third ODI at Iqbal Stadium, FaisalabadSri Lanka tour to Pakistan11 November – First ODI at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi13 November – Second ODI at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi15 November – Third ODI at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, RawalpindiT20I Tri-Series (Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe)17 November – Pakistan v Zimbabwe, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi19 November – Sri Lanka v Zimbabwe, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi22 November – Pakistan v Sri Lanka, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore23 November – Pakistan v Zimbabwe, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore25 November – Sri Lanka v Zimbabwe, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore27 November – Pakistan v Sri Lanka, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore29 November –Final, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
Zimbabwe to feature in T20I tri-series in Pakistan
Lahore (SBR): Zimbabwe Cricket has accepted the Pakistan Cricket Board’s invitation to participate in a T20I tri-series also featuring Sri Lanka, to be staged in Rawalpindi and Lahore from 17 to 29 November.The maiden tri-series on Pakistan soil has been scheduled to provide all three sides with preparation ahead of next year’s ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, which will be held in India and Sri Lanka.The tri-series will commence on 17 November, with hosts Pakistan taking on Zimbabwe at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. The second fixture will also be played at the same venue on 19 November, when Sri Lanka take on Zimbabwe.Following the two matches in Rawalpindi, the action will shift to Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, which will stage the remaining five matches, including the final on 29 November.Earlier today, Afghanistan expressed their inability to participate in the tournament.T20I Tri-Series (Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe)17 November – Pakistan v Zimbabwe, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi19 November – Sri Lanka v Zimbabwe, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi22 November – Pakistan v Sri Lanka, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore23 November – Pakistan v Zimbabwe, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore25 November – Sri Lanka v Zimbabwe, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore27 November – Pakistan v Sri Lanka, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore29 November –Final, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
UAE secure ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 spot
Dubai (SBR): The United Arab Emirates (UAE) have claimed their place in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 after an emphatic, eight-wicket victory over Japan in their Super Six clash at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Asia/East Asia-Pacific (EAP) Qualifier in Oman on Thursday.Mohammad Waseem and his charges join Nepal and Oman as the three qualifiers of the regional qualification competition with guaranteed top three finishes before the tournament’s scheduled conclusion on Friday.The 20 teams for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 are now finalized and they are as follows: India (tournament host), Sri Lanka (tournament host), Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, Canada, England, Ireland, Italy, Namibia, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Oman, Pakistan, South Africa, UAE, USA, West Indies and Zimbabwe.The UAE eliminated hopefuls, Japan, Samoa and Qatar from contention, who were still in with a mathematical chance.In the match, Japan were restricted to 116/9 after being put into bat by the UAE. Only Wataru Miyauchi – at number nine – made a significant contribution to the scoreboard, returning unbeaten for 45 off 32 deliveries. Other scores in the double figures came from Esam Rahman (23) and Abhishek Anand (10) at the top of the order and Abdul Samad (11 not out) at number 11.The UAE’s Haider Ali (three for 20) and Mohammad Arfan (two for 24) did the most damage with the ball in hand, setting up a simple chase for their batters.Openers, Alishan Sharafu and Mohammad Waseem did not disappoint, they shared a 70-run stand before it was broken by Declan Suzuki (one for 14) who removed the skipper, Waseem for 42 at the start of the eighth over.Sharafu departed for 46 at the hands of Ibrahim Takahashi (one for 16) in the 11th over, but the foundation was firmly laid, giving Mayank Kumar (13 not out) and Rahul Chopra (14 not out) a smooth pathway to batting their team victory with 47 balls to spare.
Afghanistan U19 team to visit Bangladesh for a Five-Match Youth ODI Series
Kabul (SBR): The Afghanistan Cricket Board confirms that the Afghanistan National U19 Cricket Team will visit Bangladesh for a five-match Youth ODI series, scheduled from October 28 to November 9, 2025, in Bogura, Bangladesh.The team will leave Kabul for Bangladesh on October 20 and will engage in a week-long conditioning camp before meeting the home U19 side in the opening match of the series on October 28.The first two matches are set to be played in Bogura, while the last three will take place at the RDS Cricket Ground in Rajshahi. The matches are scheduled for October 28, 31, and November 3, 6, and 9 respectively.This series marks a crucial phase in Afghanistan’s youth cricket development, providing valuable international exposure and competitive experience ahead of the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2026, hosted by Zimbabwe and Namibia.Naseeb Khan, CEO of the Afghanistan Cricket Board, stated: “We are committed to ensuring that our Future Stars remain consistently engaged alongside the National and A teams. This series will play a crucial role in preparing our U19 squad for the upcoming World Cup and could well unearth promising talents who may later advance to higher levels, including the A team and the senior national side.”Afghanistan Future Stars have recently completed a series of intensive preparatory camps held across Nangarhar and Khost provinces over the past three months, where players focused heavily on physical conditioning, skill development, and participated in several intra-squad practice matches designed to strengthen team cohesion and match readiness.
U19 Cup final: Lahore beat Rawalpindi by seven wickets
Multan (Salman Khan): Three wickets each from Naqeebullah and Ibtisam Azhar led Lahore Blues to a seven-wicket win over Rawalpindi in the final of the National U19 Cup at the Multan Cricket Stadium on Thursday. Right-arm off-spinner Ibtisam finished the tournament with 20 wickets from eight matches.The match, which was live-streamed on Tapmad across Pakistan and on PCB’s YouTube channel for viewers outside Pakistan, saw Rawalpindi opting to bat first after winning the toss. They were bowled out for 142 in 44.1 overs, with Ali Mehdi top-scoring with 36.For Lahore Blues, left-arm spinner Naqeebullah and right-arm off-spinner Ibtisam took three wickets apiece for 16 and 25 runs, respectively.In reply, Lahore Blues lost three wickets in their chase and achieved the target in 39.4 overs. Jahangir Bilal top-scored for the winning side with an unbeaten 56 off 97 balls, hitting seven fours.Lahore Blues’ captain, Ali Hassan Baloch, who missed out on a big score in the final, was named player of the tournament and best batter for scoring 603 runs from eight matches at an average of 75.38, including three centuries and two half-centuries.Faisalabad’s Momin Qamar was declared bowler of the tournament for his 22 wickets in eight matches. The left-arm spinner had two five-wicket hauls to his name.Scores in brief:Lahore Blues beat Rawalpindi by seven wickets at Multan Cricket StadiumRawalpindi 142 all out, 44.1 overs (Ali Mehdi 36; Naqeebullah 3-16, Ibtisam Azhar 3-25)Lahore Blues 143-3, 39.4 overs (Jahangir Bilal 56 not out, Khizer Butt 46)Player of the match – Naqeebullah (Lahore Blues)Player of the Tournament – Ali Hassan Baloch (Lahore Blues)
Lahore Blues to face Rawalpindi in National U19 Cup final on Thursday
Salman KhabMULTAN: Ali Hassan Baloch’s Lahore Blues will take on Mohammad Arshad’s Rawalpindi in the final of the National U19 Cup on Thursday, 16 October. The 50-over final will be played here at the Multan Cricket Stadium.The toss will take place at 09.00am, while the first ball of the match will be bowled at 09.30am.The winner of Thursday’s contest will not only lift the trophy but will also receive prize money of PKR two million, while the runner-up will take home PKR one millionIndividual awards include PKR 100,000 each for the best batter, bowler, wicketkeeper and player of the tournament, while the player of the final will be awarded PKR 75,000.The tournament serves as an important platform for emerging players to stake their claims for selection in the Pakistan U19 squad for the ICC Men’s U19 World Cup 2026, scheduled to be held in Zimbabwe and Namibia.The 18-team tournament, featuring sides from 16 regions, commenced on 21 September, with nine teams each placed in two groups. Following the group stage, Lahore Blues topped Group ‘A’ with 13 points from eight matches, which included six wins, one loss and one abandoned fixture due to rain.From Group ‘B’, Rawalpindi finished with 15 points from eight matches, registering seven wins, while one match was abandoned due to rain.Among the batters, Lahore Blues’ captain Ali Hassan Baloch has led from the front, scoring 601 runs from seven matches at an average of 85.86, including three centuries. He currently leads the tournament’s batting charts. From Rawalpindi, right-handed batter Abdul Qadir is placed eighth on the list with 295 runs from six innings at an average of 73.75, which includes one century and two half-centuries.In the bowling department, Rawalpindi will rely on left-arm spinner Mohammad Hassan Khan, who has taken 19 wickets from seven matches and is currently third on the bowling charts. He has one five-wicket haul in the competition. For Lahore Blues, right-arm off-spinner Ibtisam Azhar has been the team’s most successful bowler, occupying sixth spot with 17 wickets from seven matches, including two four-wicket hauls and one three-wicket haul.
Rashid back as No.1 in ICC Men’s ODI Bowling Rankings
Dubai (SBR): Afghanistan leg-spinner Rashid Khan has returned to the top position in the ICC Men’s ODI Bowling Rankings after playing a crucial role in a 3-0 series win over Bangladesh in Abu Dhabi.Rashid, who finished with 11 wickets in the series that included a five-for in the second match, has moved up five slots to take the top position with 710 rating points, 30 more than South Africa spinner Keshav Maharaj, who is in second spot. Rashid had become No. 1 for the first time in September 2018 and last occupied the position in November 2024.Seam bowler Azmatullah Omarzai has achieved a career-best 21st position after a 19-spot leap with seven wickets in the series while Bangladesh’s Mehidy Hasan Miraz (up four places to 24th) and Tanzim Hasan Sakib (up 24 places to 67th) have also moved up the bowling rankings.New high for Ibrahim Zadran: In the batting rankings, Ibrahim Zadran has leapt eight places to reach a career-best second position after top-scoring with a total of 213 runs that won him the Player of the Series award.He has achieved the highest-ever batting rating by any Afghanistan player, surpassing Rahmanullah Gurbaz’s 686 points achieved last November, and his second position is also the highest position by any ODI batter from his country.Rahmanullah (up two places to 16th) and the Bangladesh pair of Towhid Hridoy (up seven places to 42nd) and Mohammad Nabi (up six places to 50th) too have moved up the batting rankings.Azmatullah and Rashid have also prospered in the ODI Rankings. Azmatullah has returned to the top spot while Rashid has moved up to fourth position. This is Azmatullah’s second stint as No. 1, having earlier been at the top from February to August this yearCareer-best Test ranking for Kuldeep Yadav: The ICC Men’s Test Bowling Rankings see India spinner Kuldeep Yadav attain a career-best 14th position, rising seven places after an eight-wicket match haul. Jomel Warrican and captain Roston Chase have gained two and four places, respectively, to reach 30thand 57th positions.The batting rankings see India opener Yashaswi Jaiswal advance two slots to fifth position after notching 175 in the first innings of the second Test against the West Indies in New Delhi while KL Rahul’s knocks of 38 and 58 not out have lifted him two places to 33rd.The West Indies batters to gain are Shai Hope (up 34 places to 66th) and John Campbell (up six places to 68th), who scored centuries in the second innings.
Lahore Test: Pakistan score 313 runs for 5 on opening day
Lahore (Sports News): Pakistan batters were satisfied when they finished 313 for 5 on the opening day of the first Test match at Qaddafi Stadium Lahore on Sunday after 90 overs game.Left-handed batter Imam ul Haq was the top scorer with 93 runs while skipper Shan Masood added 75 runs. Both batters aggregated 160 runs for the second wicket. Acha Salman and Mohammad Rizwan were not out at the end of day 1 game. Babar Azam could only made 23 runs.
Rawalpindi qualify for final of National U19 Cup
Lahore (PCB Report): Rawalpindi region have qualified for the final of the National U19 Cup after topping Group ‘B’ at the conclusion of the ninth round of the tournament today. Rawalpindi remained unbeaten in the event, securing 15 points after winning seven of their eight fixtures, with one match abandoned due to rain.Rawalpindi’s opponents for the final will be confirmed after the completion of the ninth-round fixtures of Group ‘A’, which could not take place today due to unavoidable circumstances. A revised schedule will be announced in due course.In Group B match at Shama Cricket Ground, Bahawalpur defeated DMJ by 85 runs. Ziyan Jibran’s 59 and Haseeb Ahmad’s 43 guided Bahawalpur to 267 in 48.4 overs. In reply, DMJ were bowled out for 182 in 40.3 overs despite Mohammad Zubair’s 69, with four Bahawalpur bowlers taking two wickets apiece.Hyderabad overcame Islamabad by 73 runs at Mirwais Cricket Ground. Mohammad Rohan Khan top-scored with 79 to lift Hyderabad to 233. In turn, Islamabad managed 160 as Nameer Shaikh (4-18) and Abdul Wahab (3-31) shared seven wickets.At Hayatabad Sports Complex, Karachi Whites defeated AJK by 55 runs. Karachi Whites were bowled out for 205 before restricting AJK to 150 in 45.2 overs. Huzaifa Ahsan (108, 2-31) impressed with both bat and ball, while Niqaq Shafiq chipped in with 2-23.FATA recorded a 41-run win over Lahore Whites at Ashfaq Ahmed Ground in Charsadda. Mohammad Abbas Afridi struck a commanding 118 to help FATA reach 256. Lahore Whites were dismissed for 215 in 46.4 overs, with Mohammad Tahir taking three wickets, while Jamshidullah grabbing two wickets.Scores in brief:Group ‘B’Bahawalpur beat DMJ by 85 runs at the Shama Cricket Ground, PeshawarBahawalpur 267 all out, 48.4 overs (Ziyan Jibran 59, Haseeb Ahmad 43; Muzamil Ali 5-50)DMJ 182 all out, 40.3 overs (Mohammad Zubair 69; Haseeb Ahmad 2-28, Mohammad Huzaifa 2-33, Salman Ahmad 2-37, Mohammad Hamid 2-39)Hyderabad beat Islamabad by 73 runs at Mirwais Cricket Ground, PeshawarHyderabad 233 all out, 49.3 overs (Mohammad Rohan Khan 79; Shaukatullah 3-61, Arsalan Khan 2-2, Awais Amin 2-29, Muneeb 2-48)Islamabad 160 all out, 35.3 overs (Abdullah Malik 48; Nameer Shaikh 4-18, Abdul Wahab 3-31)Karachi Whites beat AJK by 55 runs at Hayatabad Sports Complex, PeshawarKarachi Whites 205 all out, 49.4 overs (Huzaifa Ahsan 108; Sufiyan Hussain 4-40, Mohammad Zeeshan Dawood 2-24, Sanwal Ejaz 2-36)AJK 150 all out, 45.2 overs (Sanwal Ejaz 54; Niqaq Shafiq 2-23, Huzaifa Ahsan 2-31)FATA beat Lahore Whites by 41 runs at Ashfaq Ahmed Ground, CharsaddaFATA 256 all out, 47.1 overs (Mohammad Abbas Afridi 118, Mohammad Talha 44; Hasnain Abbas Dar 4-49, Abdul Rasool Tariq 3-21, Mohammad Aleem Imtiaz 2-56)Lahore Whites 215 all out, 46.4 overs (Farhan Yousuf 38; Mohammad Tahir 3-48, Asad Raza 2-2, Jamshidullah 2-27)
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